Weekly Photo Challenge: Weathered Wupatki

Weathered pueblos where Anasazi Indians lived almost 1000 years ago dot the landscape of Northern Arizona. The Anasazi are considered to be the ancient ancestors of today’s Pueblo Indians including the Hopi and the Zuni.

The largest pueblo in the area was Wupatki, which had over 100 rooms, a tower, and ball court.

It is believed that the Anasazi abandoned their ancient dwelling places by 1200 AD for reasons unknown. Still, the pueblos endure and we enjoyed visiting them recently at Wupatki National Monument.

Thanks John. It remains a mystery. They believe they moved on, but don’t know why. I’m amazed they could even survive in such a dry area, although they said there was a spring nearby that has since dried up. Maybe water was a factor? The region is filled with abandoned pueblos and other types of cliff dwellings.